Falling In Love With the East Bay Bike Path

I am a born and raised Rhode Islander. I have lived in this state for all of my 24 years and like to think that comes with the insider knowledge that only a local possesses. For example, I could tell you where you will find the best hot wieners, how to get away with not paying for beach parking and which houses have been featured on Ghost Hunters.

Being a self-proclaimed RI expert you can imagine my surprise when we started working on our Guide to the East Bay Bike Path this past spring and I realized I had never ridden it. A trail with ocean views right in my backyard – how had I neglected this? Well, once a co-worker called me out there was no stopping me: I was riding this path and I was riding all of it. So I grabbed my bike, camera, a sweatshirt (it was early March) and my good sport of a boyfriend (may have bribed him with the promise of ice cream) and headed to the path. Here’s my photographic account of the experience:

We got on the path in East Providence (at the top of the big hill for those familiar with the course). There was plenty of parking and even a little welcome sign.

When talking to others about the trail, they warned me to stay on my own side. There’s a system: walkers to the left and bikers to the right. This is to help with traffic flow and prevent accidents. I tend to let my mind wander when I bike – and it’s hard not to with all the great views – so I may have strayed from my lane a little…

But luckily I was continuously reminded.

My favorite thing about the path was the ocean views. Wow. I have been on scenic rides before but nothing like this.

There are railroad tracks along the path that are no longer in use. I really wanted to jump off my bike and walk along the top, like you see kids do in movies sometimes.

But apparently this is forbidden. Oops.

My other favorite thing about the path? Ice cream stops! Hey, I biked just under 30 miles, so I earned a cone... Make that a sundae.

There are some pretty cool sights along the way like this lighthouse. I wasn’t sure what it was…

But then I looked to my left and saw this handy information sign. There are several along the trail.

The Loof Carousel is another sight to see. This historical landmark just seemed magical and I made a mental note to take my little sisters back so they could go for a ride around.

I love tunnels on a bike path. You have to scream when you’re inside them though. It’s a rule. I swear.

On our ride we passed harbors and went over a few bridges.

These bridges were covered in seashells. A fellow rider told me that seagulls drop them there and then workers have to clean them up. I can see how this could be a concern for some but I enjoyed the crackle of the shells under my wheel. I was also told these bridges are popular fishing spots.

When passing through Barrington, be cautious of your surroundings. There’s a busy intersection and getting hit by a car would really put a damper on the whole trip.

We rode all the way to the end of the path, and took a break in Colt State Park before our journey back. That building over there contains the public restrooms. Not very glamorous, I know, but after a bottle of water and a 14+ mile bike ride it's just about the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen.

In Bristol we enjoyed watching the skaters and bikers on the ramps in the public skate park.

We even caught a soccer game.

I made a promise to myself to ride again in the summer so I could enjoy the beach area before heading back.

After biking all the way to Bristol and realizing we then had to make the ride all the way back home, we were cursing ourselves. But it was all worth it when I got to enjoy this gorgeous view. In my opinion, there’s nothing like a city backdrop.

When we got back to the car I was exhausted. But even more than that I was content, inspired and happy. The ride was great and the scenery had an amazing calming effect. Since that March trip I have been back to the path seven times. It is now an essential part of my physical (and mental) well-being.

So, to those of you who live in the East Bay and may pass by the bike path everyday, even taking it for granted sometimes, take it from this Cranston gal: you've got a treasure in your backyard and you need to take advantage of it. Look for me out there on the weekends – I'll be the one straying from my lane.